Reminder: Newer agents are golden opportunities for new writers because they’re likely building their client list; however, always make sure your work is as perfect as it can be before submitting, and only query agencies that are a great fit for your work. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time and postage.
About Rachel: Now a literary agent at the Irene Goodman Literary Agency, she was most recently publicity manager at St. Martin’s Press. Find her on Twitter. Rachel Ekstrom’s decade of experience working in the publicity departments at St. Martin’s, Minotaur Books, and Penguin’s Dutton and Gotham imprints has given her an insider’s view of the publishing industry. With a knack for book promotion, she’s honed her skills building the careers of debut authors and #1 New York Times bestsellers.
She is seeking: women’s fiction, YA (contemporary and paranormal), thrillers, mysteries, romance, historical fiction and the occasional quirky work of nonfiction. She’s looking for books that will make her heart beat faster than it does when she’s biking through Manhattan traffic.
How to contact: E-query rachel.queries (at) irenegoodman.com. Email a query letter and the first 10 pages, along with a synopsis (3-5 paragraphs) and bio, in the body of an e-mail. The email addresses for this purpose are listed below. Please do not e-mail Rachel at her personal e-mail address, and do not submit to more than one of our agents. “You should receive an automated reply once you send your query. Because of the high volume of e-mail submissions we receive, we will only respond to your query if we are interested in seeing more, usually within 6-8 weeks; please don’t follow up and do not call.”
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May one submit to more than one agency at a time?
I was disappointed to read this article about the new face at Irene Goodman Literary Agency – Rachel Ekstrom – and how new agents are golden opportunities for new writers because they’re likely building their new client list. All I can say is: boo hoo. I already submitted to this agency a few weeks ago and one cannot submit to more than one agent. So, Rachel, wish I had known. But I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Irene will be attracted to my novel. Best wishes with your new desk!